Gordon Edward Burns (December 13, 1930 – January 13, 2023), known as Country Boy Eddie, was an American singer, instrumentalist, and radio and television personality.
Country Boy Eddie | |
|---|---|
| Born | Gordon Edward Burns December 13, 1930 Warrior, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | January 13, 2023 (aged 92) Warrior, Alabama, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | TV and radio host, musician |
| Spouse | Edwina Burns |
| Relatives | Doyle Edward Burns (son) |
Career
editFrom 1957 to 1993, he was the host of the Country Boy Eddie Show on WBRC, a variety show which focused on country music.[1] Tammy Wynette had her first major break on the program.[2][3]
His show was said to have been "...a blend of cowboy and country music and down-home talk and humor". His show became very popular and had high ratings.[4] In the book Lovesick Blues author Paul Hemphill said, "Birmingham would awaken to the sounds of Eddie braying like a mule... and then breaking into a hoedown with his house band".[5]
Burns was considered a local celebrity and made many public appearances.[6][7]
Awards and recognition
editThe set for the Country Boy Eddie Show is on display at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.[8] Eddie was recognized for his contributions by induction in the Birmingham Record Collectors Hall of Fame in 2003.[9] In 2020, to celebrate his 90th birthday, WBRC released a television special called Absolutely Alabama: Country Boy Eddie’s 90th Birthday Celebration.[10]
References
edit- ^ Haring, Bruce (January 14, 2023). "'Country Boy Eddie' Dies: Alabama TV Star Who Gave Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette A Chance Was 92". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
- ^ Thornton, William (January 13, 2023). "Gordon Burns, Birmingham's 'Country Boy' Eddie, dead at 92". The Birmingham News. Archived from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
- ^ WBRC Staff (January 13, 2023). "Gordon Edwards Burns, known as Country Boy Eddy, dies at 92". WBRC. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
- ^ Armstrong, Neil (2013). Who's That With Charlie?: Lessons Learned And Friends I've Made Along The Way. Clerisy Press. p. 134. ISBN 978-1-57860-533-0.
- ^ Hemphill, Paul (2006). Lovesick Blues: The Life of Hank Williams. Penguin Books. p. 206. ISBN 978-0-1430-3771-2.
- ^ Laney, Don W. (2013). Forever Arabian: Life In A Small Southern Town. Xlibris. p. 104. ISBN 978-1-4836-8859-6.
- ^ La Chapelle, Peter (2019). I'd Fight the World: A Political History of Old-Time, Hillbilly, and Country Music. University of Chicago Press. p. 212. ISBN 978-0-22692-300-0.
- ^ Blakely, Will (January 13, 2023). "Birmingham's 'Country Boy Eddie' passes away 'peacefully in his home' at 92". 1819 News. Archived from the original on January 21, 2023. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
- ^ "Country Boy Eddie Burns". Birmingham Record Collectors Hall of Fame. November 17, 2013. Archived from the original on January 20, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
- ^ WBRC Staff (December 2, 2020). "Celebrating country music legend Country Boy Eddie". WBRC. Archived from the original on January 20, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
External links
edit- Gordon Edwards Burns at IMDb
- Country Boy Eddie discography at Discogs